Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus is disclosed. An aerosol generating apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention may include a housing including an insertion space open to allow at least a portion of an aerosol product to be inserted, a sensor unit, an airflow channel through which air flows into the housing, and at least one processor that recognizes the insertion of an aerosol product via the sensor unit, confirms a change in color due to the inflow of air in at least a portion of the aerosol generating apparatus into which the aerosol product is inserted via the sensor unit, and recognizes a user puff based on the confirmed change in color.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an aerosol generating device that can more efficiently recognize insertion of an aerosol generating article and a user's puff. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventional aerosol generating devices have required separate sensing means for recognizing an aerosol generating article such as a stick and for recognizing a user's puff, respectively.

[0003] For example, for stick recognition, a sensor capable of recognizing a stick applied with a substance such as a pattern, fluorescent ink, or taggant is used, and for puff recognition, a separate sensor using the Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) principle has been used.

[0004] However, as the structure of aerosol generating devices and components such as sensors diversify and become more complex, there are problems in that the efficiency of the device decreases and manufacturing costs increase. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention has been devised to solve the aforementioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of both stick recognition and puff recognition using a single sensor.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the problems mentioned above, and further problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0007] Aerosol generating apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention may include a housing having an insertion space open to allow at least a portion of an aerosol product to be inserted; a sensor unit; an airflow channel through which air flows into the housing; and at least one processor that recognizes the insertion of the aerosol product via the sensor unit, confirms a change in color due to the inflow of air in at least a portion of the aerosol generating apparatus into which the aerosol product is inserted via the sensor unit, and recognizes a user puff based on the confirmed change in color.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sensor unit includes at least one sensor capable of sensing color, and the at least one sensor can be positioned inside the housing to face at least a portion of the aerosol product.

[0009] In some embodiments, the at least one processor can sense a change in a first color in at least a portion of the region in accordance with an event related to preheating the aerosol generator, sense a change in a second color in at least a portion of the region in accordance with an event related to user puffing, and recognize a state related to aerosol generation based on at least one of the changes in the first and second colors.

[0010] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may further sense a third color change associated with the termination of use of the aerosol generator and recognize a state related to aerosol generation based on at least one of the first color change, the second color change, and the third color change.

[0011] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator further includes an output unit, the at least one processor being able to output via the output unit a state related to aerosol generation recognized based on at least one of the first color change, the second color change, and the third color change.

[0012] In some embodiments, the at least portion of the region may be a specific region of the aerosol product.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the region may include at least a discoloration member that changes color in response to temperature changes.

[0014] In some embodiments, the discoloration member may include a transparent window and a discoloration substance bonded to or applied to the transparent window.

[0015] In some embodiments, the color-changing member may be configured in a region adjacent to the airflow channel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the color-changing member may be configured in a region adjacent to the inlet of the airflow channel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include a heating element that is heated to a predetermined temperature or higher by the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus; and a temperature transfer element having a predetermined or higher thermal conductivity, connected to the heating element and the discoloration member, and transferring heat from the heating element to the discoloration member.

[0018] A method according to various embodiments of the present invention is a method for controlling an aerosol generator comprising a housing including an insertion space open to allow at least a portion of an aerosol product to be inserted, a sensor unit, an airflow channel into which air flows, and at least one processor, the method comprising: recognizing the insertion of the aerosol product via the sensor unit; confirming a change in color due to the inflow of air in at least a portion of the area of ​​the aerosol generator into which the aerosol product is inserted, via the sensor unit; and recognizing a user's puff based on the confirmed change in color.

[0019] In some embodiments, the control method for the aerosol generator may further include the steps of: sensing a change in a first color in at least a portion of the region in accordance with an event related to preheating the aerosol generator; sensing a change in a second color in at least a portion of the region in accordance with an event related to user puffing; and recognizing a state related to aerosol generation based on at least one of the changes in the first and second colors.

[0020] In some embodiments, the control method for the aerosol generator further includes a step of sensing a change in a third color associated with the end of use of the aerosol generator, and the step of recognizing a state associated with aerosol generation may be recognized further based on the change in the third color.

[0021] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator further includes an output unit, and the control method for the aerosol generator may further include outputting a state related to aerosol generation, recognized based on at least one of the changes in the first color, the second color, and the third color, via the output unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to embodiments of the present invention, a more economical and efficient aerosol generating device can be provided by enabling both stick recognition and puff recognition using a single component.

[0023] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and further effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 3] 1 shows an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Fig. 1 is a flowchart illustrating recognizing insertion of an aerosol-generating article and a user's puff according to an embodiment. [Figure 5a] Figure 5a is an exemplary view of an internal structure of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5b] Figure 5b is an exemplary view of an internal structure of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5c] Figure 5c is an exemplary view of an internal structure of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5d] Figure 5d is an exemplary view of an internal structure of an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating recognizing and outputting a state of an aerosol generating device based on a color change of a specific region according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating recognizing and outputting a state of an aerosol generating device based on a color change of a specific region according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of drawing numbers, and overlapping descriptions thereof are omitted. Similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components in connection with the description of the drawings.

[0026] The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description for components are added or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of specification preparation and do not have a distinct meaning or role on their own. On the other hand, the suffixes "module" or "part" include units embodied by hardware, software, or firmware and can be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A "module" or "part" is a component that is configured as a whole or the smallest unit or part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, a "module" or "part" can be embodied in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0027] Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a specific description of such prior art is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are merely for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and it should be understood that the accompanying drawings do not limit the technical ideas disclosed herein and include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes that fall within the concept and technical scope of the present invention.

[0028] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, but the components are not limited by such terms. The terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another.

[0029] When it is mentioned that one component is "linked" or "connected" to another component, it must be understood that it is either directly linked to the other component, or connected but with other components in between. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that one component is "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it must be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0030] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention are embodied by software comprising one or more instruction words stored on a storage medium (e.g., memory 17) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generator 1). For example, the processor (e.g., control unit 12) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generator 1) can invoke and execute at least one instruction from the one or more instruction words stored on the storage medium. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function by the invoked at least one instruction word. The one or more instruction words include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily on the storage medium.

[0032] In this invention, the direction of the aerosol generator 1 can be defined with reference to a Cartesian coordinate system. In the Cartesian coordinate system, the x-axis direction is defined as the left-right direction of the aerosol generator 1. The y-axis direction is defined as the front-back direction of the aerosol generator 1. The z-axis direction is defined as the up-down direction of the aerosol generator 1.

[0033] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 includes a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, a communication unit 16, a memory 17, and / or heaters 18, 24. However, a person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment will understand that some of the components shown in Figure 1 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 can sense the state of the aerosol generator 1 or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generator 1 and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 12. For example, the sensor unit 13 includes a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, a reuse sensor, an overly moist sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge sensor, a cap sensor, and / or a motion sensor. On the other hand, the sensor unit 13 may further include a variety of sensors, such as a liquid level sensor for sensing the remaining liquid in the cartridge and a water ingress sensor for sensing water ingress into the aerosol generator 1.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor can sense the temperature at which the heaters 18 and 24 are heated. The aerosol generator 1 may include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24, or the heaters 18 and 24 themselves may act as temperature sensors. As an example, the temperature sensor is used to measure the impedance to the heater 18. The impedance to the heater 18 may correlate with the temperature of the heater 18. The temperature sensor can measure the current and / or voltage applied to the heater 18 (or induction coil). Based on the measured current and / or voltage, the impedance to the heater 18 is calculated. The control unit 12 can estimate the temperature of the heater 18 based on the calculated impedance.

[0037] As an example, the temperature sensor includes a resistive element (e.g., a thermistor) whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element, and the control unit 12 can detect the temperature and / or temperature change of the heaters 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance value.

[0038] As another example, the temperature sensor includes a sensor that detects the resistance values ​​of heaters 18 and 24. The temperature sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the resistance values ​​of heaters 18 and 24, and the control unit 12 can detect the temperature and / or temperature change of heaters 18 and 24 based on the signal corresponding to the resistance values.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor can sense the temperature of the power supply 11. The temperature sensor is positioned adjacent to the power supply 11. For example, the temperature sensor is attached to one surface of the power supply 11 (e.g., a battery) and / or mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board. As an example, the aerosol generator 1 includes a power protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power supply 11 together with the power protection circuit.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor is placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generator 1 and can also sense the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0042] As an example, the puff sensor includes a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1, and the control unit 12 can detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1 corresponds to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor may be positioned in the aerosol generator 1 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0043] Another example is the puff sensor, which includes a temperature sensor. When a user puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, the space into which the aerosol product is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space), heaters 18 and 24, etc. The control unit 12 can detect the user puff based on the temperature-corresponding signal from the temperature sensor for the airflow path, etc.

[0044] As yet another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure a temperature used to calibrate the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. For example, the puff sensor may calibrate a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the calibrated signal. As yet another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the control unit 12 may receive the signals and calibrate the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0045] As yet another example, the puff sensor includes a capacitance sensor. In this invention, the capacitance sensor is also referred to as a cap sensor or capacitive sensor. When a user puff occurs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow occurs within the insertion space of the aerosol product, which can cause a change in the dielectric constant inside the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect the user puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space output from the capacitance sensor.

[0046] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples given above and can be implemented using a variety of sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. The insertion sensing sensor may be installed around the insertion space.

[0048] As an example, the insertion sensing sensor includes a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor includes at least one conductor, which may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. When aerosol products are inserted into / removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The control unit 12 can detect the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products based on a signal output from the capacitance sensor that corresponds to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space.

[0049] As another example, insertion sensing sensors include inductive sensors. An inductive sensor includes at least one coil, which may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol product (e.g., the wrapper of the aerosol product) contains a conductor, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows when the aerosol product is inserted into / out of the insertion space. The control unit 12 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product containing a conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc. of the AC current). Alternatively, the aerosol product (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol product) may include a susceptor (SUS), etc. In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field occurs around the coil based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor or the like in the insertion space, and the control unit 12 can also sense the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products based on the current characteristics of the inductive sensor.

[0050] The insertion sensing sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be embodied by a variety of sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) for sensing the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products. The insertion sensing sensor may also include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion sensing sensor may include a switch for sensing pressure by the aerosol product.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol product has been reused. As an example, the reuse detection sensor is a color sensor for detecting the hue of an aerosol product. When an aerosol product is used by a user, the generated aerosol or heating may cause a change in the hue of a portion of the flaps surrounding the aerosol product. The color sensor can output a signal corresponding to the optical characteristics (e.g., wavelength of light) of the flaps based on the light reflected from the flaps. If a change in the hue of a portion of the flaps is detected, the control unit 12 can determine that the aerosol product inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity sensing sensor can sense whether or not the aerosol product is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity sensing sensor includes a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor includes at least one conductor positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect whether or not the aerosol product is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant output from the capacitance sensor. As an example, the control unit 12 can check the level range that includes the level of the signal based on a lookup table and determine the amount of moisture in the aerosol product based on the checked level range.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can sense whether or not the aerosol product is genuine, and / or the type of aerosol product.

[0054] As an example, a cigarette identification sensor includes an optical sensor for sensing an identification substance (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., the flaps) of an aerosol product. The optical sensor can irradiate light onto the identification substance (or identification mark) of the aerosol product and, based on the reflected light, can sense whether or not the aerosol product is genuine and / or its type. For example, the identification substance may include a substance that emits light of a specific wavelength range based on the irradiated light. The control unit 12 can detect whether or not the aerosol product is genuine and / or its type based on the wavelength range.

[0055] Another example is a cigarette identification sensor, which includes a capacitance sensor. Depending on the type of aerosol product inserted into the insertion space, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may differ from one another. The control unit 12 can detect whether the aerosol product is genuine and / or of the type based on a signal output from the capacitance sensor that corresponds to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space.

[0056] As yet another example, a cigarette lighter identification sensor includes an inductive sensor. If the hood and / or interior (e.g., the medium portion) of the aerosol product inserted into the insertion space contains a conductor, the characteristics of the current sensed by the inductive sensor when the aerosol product is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency of AC current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may differ depending on the type of aerosol product inserted into the insertion space. The control unit 12 can detect whether the inserted aerosol product is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or sensed by the inductive sensor.

[0057] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples given above and can be embodied by a variety of sensors for sensing whether an aerosol product is genuine or not, and / or for sensing the type of aerosol product. Furthermore, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples given above.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the cartridge sensing sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge sensing sensor includes an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the cap sensing sensor can sense the attachment and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap sensing sensor includes an inductive sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (Hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of the cartridge attached to or inserted into the aerosol generator 1, or that covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generator 1. When the cap sensing sensor attaches to / removes the cap from the housing, it outputs a signal corresponding to the attachment or removal, and the control unit 12 can sense the attachment or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the attachment or removal.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the motion sensing sensor can sense the movement of the aerosol generator 1. The motion sensing sensor is embodied by at least one of an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may further include at least one of the following sensors in addition to the aforementioned sensors: a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, or a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an ordinary engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the output unit 14 can output information relating to the state of the aerosol generator 1. The output unit 14 includes, but is not limited to, a display, a haptic unit, and / or an acoustic output unit. For example, information relating to the aerosol generator 1 includes the charging / discharging state of the power supply 11 of the aerosol generator 1, the preheating state of the heaters 18 and 24, the insertion / removal state of the aerosol product and / or cartridge, the attachment and / or removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item). The display can visually provide the user with information relating to the state of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the display includes an LED (light-emitting diode) light-emitting element, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. If the display includes a touchpad, it is also used as an input unit 15. The haptic unit can tactilely provide the user with information relating to the state of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the haptic section includes a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electrical stimulator, etc. The acoustic output section can provide the user with information related to the aerosol generator 1 audibly. For example, the acoustic output section can convert electrical signals into acoustic signals and output them externally.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the power supply 11 can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generator 1. The power supply 11 may include one or more batteries. The power supply 11 can supply power so that the heaters 18 and 24 are heated. The power supply 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generator 1, such as the control unit 12, sensor unit 13, output unit 14, input unit 15, communication unit 16, and memory 17. The power supply 11 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 11 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this. The power supply 11 is also a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter referred to as a removable battery). The removable battery may be installed in a battery housing provided in the aerosol generator 1, or it may be removed from the battery housing. The removable battery is rechargeable by wire and / or wireless.

[0064] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 are powered by a power source 11 and can heat the aerosol product and / or the medium and / or aerosol generating substance in the cartridge. The aerosol generating apparatus 1 may include a heater 18 for heating the aerosol product and / or a cartridge heater 24 for heating the cartridge (i.e., solid and / or liquid medium).

[0065] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 are also electrical resistive heaters. For example, electrical resistive heaters include electrical resistive materials such as metals or metal alloys, including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, and nichrome. Electrical resistive heaters are embodied by metal heating wires, metal heating plates on which conductive tracks are arranged, ceramic heating elements, and the like.

[0066] According to one embodiment, heaters 18 and 24 are also induction heaters. For example, an induction heater may include a susceptor that generates heat due to a magnetic field. An alternating current flowing through the induction coil generates a magnetic field from the induction coil. The generated magnetic field penetrates the heater, generating eddy currents in the susceptor. Based on the generation of eddy currents, the susceptor is heated. According to one embodiment, the susceptor may be contained inside the aerosol product (e.g., in the medium). In this case as well, the susceptor contained inside the aerosol product can be heated by the induction coil.

[0067] Heaters 18 and 24 are not limited to the examples given above and include, or can be replaced by, a variety of heating methods, structures, components, etc., for heating aerosol products and / or cartridges.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the input unit 15 can receive information entered by the user. For example, the input unit 15 includes a touch panel, buttons, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the memory 17 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1, and can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data being processed. For example, the memory 17 includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. For example, the memory 17 can store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the communication unit 16 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices (e.g., portable electronic devices). For example, the communication unit 16 includes a Bluetooth® communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee® communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association: IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, and the like.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1. For example, the control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The control unit 12 may be implemented by an array of numerous logic gates, or by a combination of a general-purpose MCU (microcontroller unit) (or microprocessor) and a memory in which a program executable by the MCU is stored. It can also be understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs that it may be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 by controlling the supply of power from the power supply 11 to the heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 sensed using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). The control unit 12 can control the temperature of heaters 18 and 24 and / or the power supplied to heaters 18 and 24 based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory 17.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power (e.g., voltage and / or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 by controlling a power conversion circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the heaters 18 and 24 and the power supply 11. For example, the power conversion circuit includes a DC / DC converter (e.g., a buck converter, buck-boost converter, boost converter, Zener diode, etc.) that converts power to be supplied to the heaters 18 and 24, and a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts power to be supplied to an induction coil (not shown). The DC / AC converter is embodied by a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements. For example, the power conversion circuit may include at least one switching element, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field-effect transistor (FET).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and / or duty cycle of a current pulse input to at least one switching element of a power conversion circuit (not shown) and adjust the current and / or voltage supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element corresponds to the ratio of the output voltage of the power conversion circuit to the output voltage of the power supply 11.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID). For example, the control unit 12 can use the PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can adjust the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. For example, the control unit 12 can determine a target temperature for control based on a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 using the PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 and the target temperature, the integral of the difference over time, and the derivative of the difference over time.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can determine a target power for control based on the power profile. The control unit 12 can also control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 to correspond to a predetermined target power over time.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can detect a user's puff by sensing the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24. More specifically, the control unit 12 can control the power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 using a PID method. When a user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the space into which the aerosol product is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the insertion space), the heaters 18 and 24, etc. This can cause a change in the power (or current) supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 during the PID power control. The control unit 12 can detect a user's puff based on the change in the controlled power.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can prevent the heaters 18 and 24 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 or to interrupt the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeding a predetermined limit temperature.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the charging and discharging of the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can check the temperature of the power supply 11 using a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). If the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a first limit temperature, the control unit 12 can cut off charging of the power supply 11. If the temperature of the power supply 11 is above a second limit temperature, the control unit 12 can interrupt the use (e.g., discharge) of the power stored in the power supply 11. The control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power supply 11. For example, the control unit 12 can calculate the remaining capacity of the power supply 11 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power supply 11.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the insertion and / or removal of aerosol products into and from the insertion space. For example, if the control unit 12 determines, using an insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), that aerosol products have been inserted into the insertion space, it can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. If the control unit 12 determines, using an insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), that aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space, it can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. The control unit 12 can also determine that aerosol products have been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change gradient of the heaters 18 and 24 is above a set gradient.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the state of the aerosol product. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol product is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), it can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol product is reused. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the aerosol product has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the coupling and / or removal of the cartridge. For example, if the control unit 12 determines, using a cartridge sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13), that the cartridge is separated, it can interrupt the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 or control the system so that no power is supplied to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether or not the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, if the control unit 12 determines that the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24 exceeds a limit temperature during preheating (i.e., in the preheating section), it can determine that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted. If it determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether or not the cartridge can be used. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 17, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge cannot be used if it determines that the current number of puffs is equal to or greater than the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. Alternatively, the control unit 12 can determine that the cartridge cannot be used if the total time the heaters 18 and 24 have been heated is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the heaters 18 and 24 is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum amount of power. In this case, the control unit 12 can interrupt the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24, or control the system so that power is not supplied to the heaters 18 and 24.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on the user's puffs. For example, the control unit 12 can use a puff sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13) to determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff. The control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 if the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs and / or if no puffs are detected for a predetermined time or longer. The control unit 12 can also control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 when a puff is detected.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 based on whether the aerosol product (or cartridge) is genuine and / or its type. For example, the control unit 12 can detect whether the aerosol product is genuine and / or its type using a cigarette identification sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). As an example, if the control unit 12 detects that the aerosol product (or cartridge) is counterfeit, it can cut off the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. If the control unit 12 detects that the aerosol product (or cartridge) is genuine, it can control (e.g., start) the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24. As another example, the control unit 12 can control the power supply to the heaters 18 and 24 differently depending on the type of aerosol product (or cartridge). More specifically, if the control unit 12 detects that the aerosol product (or cartridge) is the first aerosol product (or first cartridge), it can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on the first temperature profile (or first power profile), and if it detects that the aerosol product (or second cartridge) is the second aerosol product (or second cartridge), it can control the temperature and / or power of the heaters 18 and 24 based on the second temperature profile (or second power profile).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the results sensed by the sensor unit 13. For example, the control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information that the aerosol generator 1 will immediately terminate when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor (e.g., the sensor unit 13) reaches a predetermined number. For example, the control unit 12 can also control the output unit 14 to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information regarding the temperature of the heaters 18 and 24.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can save and update a history of events in the memory 17 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, events include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1, such as sensing the insertion of an aerosol product, starting the heating of the aerosol product, detecting puffing, ending the puffing, detecting overheating of heaters 18 and 24, detecting the application of overvoltage to heaters 18 and 24, ending the heating of the aerosol product, turning the power of the aerosol generator 1 on / off, starting charging of the power supply 11, detecting overcharging of the power supply 11, and ending charging of the power supply 11. For example, the history of an event includes the date and time the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the sensing of the insertion of an aerosol product, the log data corresponding to the event includes data such as the sensing value of the insertion sensing sensor (e.g., sensor unit 13). For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating in heaters 18 and 24, the log data corresponding to the event will include data on the temperature of heaters 18 and 24, the voltage applied to heaters 18 and 24, and the current flowing through heaters 18 and 24.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can control the communication unit 16 to form a communication link with an external device such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can release the restriction on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generator 1 if authentication data is received from an external device via a communication link. For example, the authentication data may include the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, and whether the user's authentication is complete.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can transmit data regarding the state of the aerosol generator 1 (for example, the remaining capacity of the power supply 11, the operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data is output through a display or the like on the external device.

[0094] According to one embodiment, when the control unit 12 receives a request from an external device to locate the aerosol generator 1 via a communication link, it can control the output unit 14 to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the control unit 12 can control the haptic unit to generate vibrations, or control the display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the completion of the search.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device via a communication link.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the control unit 12 can transmit data for sensing values ​​from at least one sensor unit 13 to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and can receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​from the server through machine learning such as deep learning. Using the learning model received from the server, the control unit 12 can perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0097] Although not shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit includes at least one switching element and can shut off the circuit to the power supply 11 in response to overcharging and / or over-discharging of the power supply 11. The aerosol generator 1 may further include a connection interface, such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, which can connect to other external devices to send and receive information or charge the power supply 11.

[0098] The aerosol product referred to in this invention includes at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium) and at least one filter rod. The heater 18 is arranged to correspond to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently from each other by the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may contain at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating substance, and an additive. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin: VG) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may also include a variety of other substances. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may also include a variety of other substances. For example, the aerosol-generating rod may include an aerosol-generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a non-tobacco substance in liquid form (e.g., aerosol-generating substance and / or nicotine), and / or a tobacco substance in solid form (e.g., tobacco leaves, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco substance may be included in the aerosol-generating rod in various forms such as shredded tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol-generating rod may include a basic substance. Based on the basic substance, the nicotine of the tobacco substance included in the aerosol-generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine can be released from the aerosol-generating rod even at low temperatures. Nicotine may be released. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod includes two or more aerosol generating rods, each of which may contain tobacco and / or non-tobacco substances. On the other hand, although not shown, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may be wound together by at least one wrapper. In the present invention, the aerosol product is also referred to as a stick.

[0099] The cartridge referred to in this invention contains an aerosol-generating substance having one of the following states: liquid, solid, gaseous, or gel. The aerosol-generating substance may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance that includes volatile tobacco flavor components, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. On the other hand, the cartridge may include a storage section containing the aerosol-generating substance and / or a liquid delivery means that impregnates (contains) the aerosol-generating substance. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as cotton fibers, ceramic fibers, glass fibers, or porous ceramic. The cartridge heater 24 is included in the cartridge in the form of a coil-shaped structure that surrounds (or winds) the liquid delivery means, or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater 24 may be included in an aerosol-generating device 1 that is separable from the cartridge.

[0100] Figure 2 shows an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 3 shows an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to one embodiment.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 includes a housing 10, a power supply 11, a control unit 12, a sensor unit 13, and / or heaters 182, 183 (for example, heater 18 in Figure 1). However, a person with ordinary skill in the art according to this embodiment will understand that the components included in the aerosol generator 1 are not limited to those shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, and that some components may be omitted or new components may be added. The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 2 is also referred to as an "internal heating type" aerosol generator that heats the inside of the aerosol product 2. The aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 3 is also referred to as an "external heating type" aerosol generator that heats the outside of the aerosol product 2. In the following drawings, explanations that overlap with those in Figure 1 are omitted.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the housing 10 can provide an upwardly open space into which an aerosol product 2 can be inserted. In this invention, the upwardly open space is also referred to as the insertion space. The insertion space may be formed by recessing toward the interior of the housing 10 to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol product 2 can be inserted. The depth of the insertion space is greater than or equal to the length of the region in the aerosol product 2 that contains the aerosol-generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol product 2 is inserted into the interior of the housing 10, and the upper end of the aerosol product 2 protrudes outward from the housing 10. The user can inhale the aerosol by putting the exposed upper end of the aerosol product 2 into their mouth.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the heaters 182 and 183 can heat the aerosol product 2.

[0104] Referring to Figure 2, heater 182 is also an internal heating type heater.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the internal heating heater may extend upward in the space into which the aerosol product 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the internal heating heater may include a rod-shaped or needle-shaped heating element as shown in the figure, but may also include a variety of heating elements such as a tubular heating element or a plate-shaped heating element. The internal heating heater may be inserted through the bottom of the aerosol product 2.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the internal heating type heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater.

[0107] For example, an electrical resistive heater may contain an electrical resistive material inside (e.g., hollow or inner surface) or outside (e.g., outer surface), and may be heated by an electric current flowing through the electrical resistive material. In this case, the electrical resistive heater may be electrically connected to a power supply 11 and directly generate heat by receiving current from the power supply 11. The induction coil 181 may also be omitted.

[0108] For example, in the case of an induction heater, the aerosol generator 1 may include an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the internally heated heater (for example, positioned externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). In this case, the outside of the induction coil 181 may further include a magnetic flux concentrator or the like to enhance the efficiency of induction heating. The induction heater includes a susceptor and can generate heat based on the magnetic field generated from the induction coil 181. According to one embodiment, the induction heater (e.g., a susceptor) (or a heater module including the same) may be arranged to be separable from the housing 10.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the heater 182 is also a multiple heater. The multiple heater includes a first heater and a second heater and can be inserted into the aerosol product 2. The first heater and the second heater may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction. The first heater and the second heater can operate as an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. In this case, the first heater and the second heater may be positioned respectively at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of two or more aerosol generating rods. Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater may be positioned respectively at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of a first and second portion of a single aerosol generating rod. On the other hand, if the heater 182 is an induction heater, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, and the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be positioned respectively at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first heater and the second heater. Alternatively, the first and second induction coils may be positioned at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first and second parts of a single heater 182, respectively. Furthermore, the heater and / or induction coils may include three or more units.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the susceptor is placed (or included) inside the aerosol product 2 (for example, in the medium portion), and the susceptor included inside the aerosol product 2 is heated based on the magnetic field generated from the induction coil 181.

[0111] Referring to Figure 3, heater 183 is also an external heating type heater.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the external heating element may extend upward around the space into which the aerosol product 2 is inserted (i.e., the insertion space). For example, the external heating element may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. As an example, the external heating element may be tubular (e.g., cylindrical) with a hollow interior. The external heating element may also be shaped to enclose a hollow interior. In this case, the external heating element may be supported by a polyimide film. A heater supported by such a film is also called a film heater. The external heating element may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the insertion space. The external heating element can heat the outside of the aerosol product 2 inserted into the hollow.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the external heating type heater includes an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating type heater, and a description that overlaps with Figure 2 is omitted. On the other hand, in the case of an induction heating type heater, the aerosol generator 1 includes an external heating type heater embodied in a tubular susceptor and includes an induction coil 181 surrounding at least a portion of the external heating type heater (for example, positioned externally to correspond to the length of at least a portion of the heater). On the other hand, if the external heating type heater is an electrical resistance heater, heat can be generated through the flow of current on the tubular electrical resistance heater (for example, a film heater), so the separate induction coil 181 may be omitted. On the other hand, an insulating material may be placed outside the external heating type heater. This can reduce the heat radiated radially outward from the heater 183 and applied to the outside of the housing 10.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the heater 183 is also a multiple heater, and the first and second heaters may be arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction, each surrounding at least a portion of the insertion space. The first and second heaters can operate as electrical resistance heaters and / or induction heaters, and may be heated sequentially or simultaneously. On the other hand, if the heater 183 is an induction heater, the aerosol generator 1 includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil, which may be positioned respectively at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first and second heaters. Alternatively, the first and second induction coils may be positioned at locations corresponding to the longitudinal positions of the first and second portions of a single heater 183.

[0115] Unlike those shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, the heater 182 in Figure 2 and the heater 183 in Figure 3 may also be included together in the aerosol generator 1. In this case, the heater 182 can heat the inside of the aerosol product 2, and the heater 183 can heat the outside of the aerosol product 2.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 may be provided with an airflow channel through which air flows. For example, the housing 10 includes a structure (e.g., a hole) through which air flows from the outside into the housing 10. The air flowing into the housing 10 may flow into the aerosol product 2 through its lower end (i.e., upstream side). The aerosol generated based on the heating of the aerosol product 2 may be inhaled into the user's mouth through its upper end (i.e., downstream side) along with the incoming air.

[0117] The following diagrams illustrate the insertion of the aerosol product 2 and the recognition of the user's puff in the aerosol generator 1. At least some of the steps in the flowcharts or flow diagrams of this document may be omitted or their order may be changed. Furthermore, at least some of the steps in the flowcharts or flow diagrams may be added according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0118] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the insertion of an aerosol product 2 and the recognition of the user's puff according to one embodiment. For the explanation of Figure 4, please refer to Figures 5a to 5d. Figures 5a to 5c are illustrative diagrams of the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention, and Figure 5d is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 5c. These Figures 5a to 5d are shown in a form in which other components are omitted for convenience in order to explain some of the components of the aerosol generator 1.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 can recognize the insertion of the aerosol product 2 (S410).

[0120] Specifically, the control unit 12 can recognize the aerosol product 2 inserted into the insertion space of the housing 10 via the sensor unit 13. The aerosol product 2 may be formed from, for example, a stick (e.g., a cigarette).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 13 may include at least one sensor capable of sensing color. The sensor capable of sensing color may include, but is not limited to, a color sensor, a spectral sensor, a light sensor, an RGB sensor, a vision sensor, and the like.

[0122] According to one embodiment, at least one sensor capable of sensing color is mounted inside the housing 10 and can be positioned to face at least a portion of the aerosol product 2.

[0123] For example, Figure 5a shows a sensor 13_1 capable of sensing color. Hereafter, the color-sensing sensor 13_1 will be referred to as the "color sensing sensor 13_1". Although only one color sensing sensor 13_1 is shown in Figures 5a to 5d, it may be composed of multiple sensors. The color sensing sensor 13_1 can be electrically or communicatively connected to the control unit 12 and can transmit the sensed color information to the control unit 12.

[0124] In one embodiment of the present invention, the color-sensing sensor 13_1 can be positioned to face at least a portion of the region 2a of the aerosol product 2 inserted into the insertion space of the housing 10. That is, the color-sensing sensor 13_1 can be positioned inside the housing 10 so as to face direction A. For example, the portion of the aerosol product 2 containing the discoloration substance 2a and the color-sensing sensor 13_1 can be positioned on a virtual straight line.

[0125] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the aerosol product 2, region 2a, may be at least a portion of the flaps that enclose the outside of the aerosol product 2. The color sensing sensor 13_1 can output a signal corresponding to the color based on the light reflected from at least a portion of the flaps, region 2a, and can transmit the output to the control unit 12. This allows the control unit 12 to recognize that the aerosol product 2 has been inserted.

[0126] Next, the aerosol generator 1 can confirm the color change due to the inflow of air in at least a portion of the area (S430).

[0127] Specifically, air can be introduced into the airflow channel of the aerosol generator 1 by a user puffing action. As shown in Figure 5a, at least one airflow channel CN ​​can be formed in the housing 10. When the user puffs, outside air, i.e., outside air, is introduced into the housing 10 through the airflow channel CN, then flows out of the housing 10 in the direction of the arrow and is drawn into the user's mouth. As the air circulates through the airflow channel, a pressure change occurs inside the airflow channel, and a temperature change occurs in response to this pressure change. That is, the user puffing can cause a slight cyclical decrease in the temperature of the airflow channel CN, the area adjacent to the airflow channel CN, and other areas where air circulates.

[0128] According to one embodiment, a specific region 2a of the aerosol product 2 in Figure 5a may include a discoloration substance that changes color in response to temperature changes. For example, at least a portion of the trumpet may contain a temperature-dependent discoloration substance. The temperature-dependent discoloration substance may include, but is not limited to, substances such as discoloration inks such as thermal inks, thermochromic materials, temperature-sensing paints, and certain metal oxides.

[0129] In Figure 5a, when air flows into the airflow channel CN, the incoming air passes over the aerosol product 2 inserted into the insertion space and flows out to the outside. As a result, a temperature change may occur in a specific region 2a of the aerosol product 2 containing the discoloration substance. This causes the color of the discoloration substance to change, and the color change is sensed by the color sensing sensor 13_1, which is oriented in direction A, overlooking the region containing the discoloration substance. The color sensing sensor 13_1 transmits the sensed color change to the control unit 12.

[0130] Next, the aerosol generator 1 can recognize the user's puff based on the color change in a specific area (S450).

[0131] Specifically, the control unit 12 can detect a user puff event through a change in color in a specific area of ​​the aerosol product 2. For example, data regarding the change in color in a specific area of ​​the aerosol product 2 due to the preheating of the aerosol generator 1 and the change in color in a specific area of ​​the aerosol product 2 due to a user puff can be pre-stored in the memory 17. The control unit 12 can recognize a user puff by referring to the stored color data. The specific details of user puff recognition will be described later with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0132] On the other hand, in the embodiment of Figure 5a, since the color sensor 13_1 recognizes the insertion of the aerosol product 2 and the user puff based solely on the aerosol product 2, the position of the airflow channel CN ​​can be configured at any position, independent of the color sensor 13_1. For example, as in the embodiment of Figure 5b, the airflow channel CN ​​can also be generated in other regions.

[0133] In Figures 5a and 5b, the color sensing sensor 13_1 detects the change in color due to the inflow of outside air via the aerosol product 2. Therefore, within the condition that the color sensing sensor 13_1 is positioned to face the specific region 2a of the aerosol product 2, various changes in the position and shape of the other components are possible.

[0134] On the other hand, Figures 5a and 5b describe an embodiment in which a discoloration substance is included in at least a portion of the aerosol product 2. In contrast, Figures 5c to 5d disclose an embodiment in which a discoloration member 100 containing a discoloration substance is included in the aerosol generating apparatus 1 itself, separately from the aerosol product 2.

[0135] Referring to Figure 5c, the aerosol generator 1 may include a color-changing member 100 configured to contain at least a color-changing substance that changes color in response to temperature changes. Specifically, the housing 10 may include a color-changing member 100 configured to contain at least a substance that changes color in response to temperature changes. An enlarged view of area B in Figure 5c is shown in Figure 5d.

[0136] According to one embodiment, similar to Figures 5c and 5d, the color-changing member 100 may include a transparent window 101 formed to have a predetermined or higher level of transparency and a color-changing substance 103. The color-changing substance 103 may include, but is not limited to, substances such as color-changing inks such as thermal inks, thermochromic materials, temperature-sensing paints, and certain metal oxides. The color-changing substance 103 may be implemented by being bonded or coated to at least a portion of the transparent window 101.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the transparent window 101 can have a transparency of a predetermined degree or higher so as not to interfere when the color sensing sensor 13_1 is facing the aerosol product 2 in direction A. Similarly, the color-changing substance 103 can have a transparency of a predetermined degree or higher, and may change color to a form in which its transparency gradually decreases (e.g., colored) upon sensing a temperature change, and then change color again to regain a predetermined transparency at a specific temperature.

[0138] In Figures 5c to 5d, the color-sensing sensor 13_1 can be positioned to face both the aerosol product 2 and the color-changing member 100. For example, the aerosol product 2, the color-changing member 100, and the color-sensing sensor 13_1 can be positioned on a virtual straight line.

[0139] In the embodiments shown in Figures 5c to 5d, the control unit 12 can recognize the insertion of the aerosol product 2 via the color sensing sensor 13_1. For example, when the aerosol product 2 is inserted into the insertion space of the housing 10, the color sensing sensor 13_1 can sense the aerosol product 2. Such sensing can be confirmed by the empty area before the insertion of the aerosol product 2 and by a different color depending on the insertion of the aerosol product 2.

[0140] In Figures 5c to 5d, the discoloration member 100 may change color as the aerosol generator 1 is preheated. For example, the discoloration substance 103 of the transparent window 101 may change color. The control unit 12 can confirm that the aerosol generator 1 is being preheated by the time and degree of discoloration of the discoloration member 100 recognized by the color sensing sensor 13_1. However, the preheating of the aerosol generator 1 can also be confirmed not only by the color sensing sensor 13_1, but also by the control log data of the sensor unit 130 or the control unit 12.

[0141] After preheating, when air flows into the airflow channel CN ​​by a user puff, the temperature changes in the airflow channel CN ​​or the area adjacent to it. As a result, the discolored substance 103, which has changed color due to preheating, may change color again slightly in response to the temperature change caused by the air inflow. The color sensing sensor 13_1 can sense this color change information and transmit it to the control unit 12, which can then detect the user's puff event based on this sensing data.

[0142] According to one embodiment, in Figures 5c to 5d, the color-changing member 100 may be configured in a region adjacent to the airflow channel CN. As air flows into the airflow channel CN, the temperature change due to the outside air may become larger the closer it is to the airflow channel CN. Also, due to the temperature inside the housing 10, the closer it is to the inlet CN_1 of the airflow channel CN, the better the temperature change due to the inflow of outside air can occur. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the color-changing member 100 can be located in region CN_1 adjacent to the inlet of the airflow channel CN.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a temperature transfer body 200 that transfers heat to the discoloration member 100.

[0144] Specifically, referring to Figures 5c to 5d, the temperature transfer body 200 may be formed such that one side is connected to or in contact with the heater 183, and the other side is in contact with or in close proximity to at least a portion of the discoloration member 100.

[0145] The temperature transfer element 200 can have a predetermined thermal conductivity so as to be able to transfer the heat from the heating element to the discoloration member 100. For example, the temperature transfer element 100 may be made of metal, but is not limited to that.

[0146] The heating element may include, for example, a heater 183, as a configuration that maintains a temperature above a predetermined level through the operation of the aerosol generator 1. However, the heating element may also include a configuration other than the heater 183 that can be heated to a temperature above a predetermined level. For example, the heating element may be an injection material in a region adjacent to the heater 183 or a single region.

[0147] As described above, the heat from the heater 183 can be transferred to the discoloration member 100 by the temperature transfer body 200. The further the discoloration member 100 is located from the heater 183, the lower the temperature of the discoloration member 100 due to heating by the heater may be. Also, because the temperature will be lower for a while due to the inflow of outside air, if the temperature of the discoloration member 100 is low, the amount of temperature change may also be small. Therefore, when the temperature of the discoloration member 100 rises due to the temperature transfer body 200, the discoloration of the discoloration substance 103 may be relatively better as outside air flows into the airflow channel CN.

[0148] On the other hand, the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figures 5c-5d is an illustrative front view, and therefore the temperature transfer element 200 appears to interfere with the airflow channel CN. However, the temperature transfer element 200 can be located in a region that does not interfere with the airflow channel CN. Furthermore, the shape and position of the temperature transfer element 200 shown in Figure 5c are illustrative, and it can be configured in various forms inside the housing 10.

[0149] As illustrated in the embodiments shown in the example diagrams 5a to 5d above, the insertion of the aerosol product 2 and the recognition of a user puff can be detected with only one configuration of the color sensing sensor 13_1. This enables more efficient use of the sensor.

[0150] Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating how the state of an aerosol generator is recognized and output based on color changes in a specific region according to an embodiment of the present invention. Descriptions of Figures 6 and 7 that overlap with those in Figure 4 may be omitted.

[0151] In Figure 6, the aerosol generator 1 can recognize the insertion of the aerosol product 2 (S610). The control unit 12 can recognize the insertion of the aerosol product 2 based on the color change information described above or an insertion detection sensor using various methods.

[0152] Next, the aerosol generator 1 can recognize the change in the first color related to preheating (S630).

[0153] The aerosol generator 1 can be preheated by inserting the aerosol product 2 into the insertion space of the housing 10 or by user input. This changes the temperature of at least a portion of the aerosol product 2 or the discoloration member 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and each discoloration substance can change color in response to the temperature change.

[0154] The color sensing sensor 13_1 can transmit information about the change in color to the control unit 12, and the control unit 12 can refer to the color information stored in memory to recognize that the aerosol generator 1 is currently preheating.

[0155] On the other hand, the control unit 12 is not limited to the discoloration information described above, but can recognize the preheating state based on a temperature profile or data logs related to preheating stored in memory.

[0156] Next, the aerosol generator 1 can recognize the second color change associated with the user puff (S650).

[0157] The control unit 12 can recognize color changes related to the user puff based on the color-changing substance contained in the aerosol product 2 and the color-sensing sensor 13_1 inside the aerosol generator 1. Furthermore, the control unit 12 can recognize color changes related to the user puff based on the color-changing member 100 inside the aerosol generator 1 and the color-sensing sensor 13_1.

[0158] When external air flows into the airflow channel CN ​​inside the housing 10 due to a user puff, the temperature of the airflow channel CN ​​and the insertion space connected thereto can decrease slightly as the air flows out. As a result, the discoloration substance contained in the aerosol product 2 or the discoloration member 100 in the aerosol generator 1 changes color, and the control unit 12 can recognize the user puff using the color sensing sensor 13_1 facing the discolored area.

[0159] Next, the aerosol generator 1 can recognize the aerosol-related state based on the change in the first color and the change in the second color (S670).

[0160] The control unit 12 can check various states related to aerosol generation based on the timing and degree of color change in a specific area due to preheating, and the timing and degree of color change in a specific area due to user puffing. These states related to aerosol generation can include, for example, the insertion of the aerosol product 2, preheating of the aerosol generator 1, and user puffing events.

[0161] Furthermore, the control unit 12 can additionally check the degree of discoloration according to the number of user puffs and recognize the status, such as the remaining number of puffs. In addition to discoloration information, the control unit 12 can also recognize events related to aerosol generation by linking it with data collected via the sensor unit 13 or log data.

[0162] Next, the aerosol generator 1 can output the recognized content via the output unit 14 (S690).

[0163] The control unit 12 can visualize the recognized aerosol generation-related status and output it to the user via the output unit 14. For example, at least one piece of content containing information such as whether or not puffing is currently progressing and the number of remaining puffs may be displayed via the output unit 14.

[0164] Figure 7 discloses the additional recognition and output of a third color change related to the end of use of the aerosol generator 1. As shown in Figure 6 above, the aerosol generator 1 can recognize the insertion of the aerosol product 2 (S710), and can recognize a first color change related to preheating (S730). Furthermore, it can recognize a second color change related to user puffing (S730).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 can recognize a change in a third color associated with the end of use of the aerosol generator 1 (S740).

[0166] Specifically, the control unit 12 can stop the power applied to the heaters 18 and 24 when the user puff is finished. That is, the control unit 12 can recognize that the vaping operation of the aerosol generator 1 is complete and that the aerosol generator 1 is finished for use or deactivated. As the operation of the heaters 18 and 24 ends, the temperature inside the aerosol generator 1 may gradually decrease. As a result, the discoloration substance in the aerosol product 2 or the discoloration member 100 of the aerosol generator 1 may change color. Based on the timing and degree of such discoloration, the control unit 12 can recognize that the aerosol generator 1 has finished.

[0167] Next, the aerosol generator 1 can confirm the aerosol-related state based on at least one of the changes in the first color, the second color, and the third color (S750).

[0168] Specifically, the control unit 12 can comprehensively monitor the relevant states from the first to the third color change, i.e., from the start to the end of a particular vaping session, based on the change in the third color. For example, the control unit 12 can recognize temperature changes, vaping time, etc., sensed during the vaping session and record them as log data. If additional preheating operations, such as temperature changes or color changes in a specific area, are detected after the change in the third color, the control unit 12 can also start driving the aerosol generator 1 after a predetermined delay to prevent continuous vaping. In this way, the control unit 12 can continue monitoring temperature changes or color changes, etc., for a predetermined period of time and provide functions such as adjusting the continuous smoking time.

[0169] The aerosol generator 1 can output to the user via the output unit 140 based on the aerosol generation-related state recognized in step S750 (S760).

[0170] Furthermore, the aerosol generation-related states recognized in Figures 6 and 7 can be transmitted or notified to a user terminal or the like via the communication unit 16.

[0171] Through the embodiments shown in the drawings described above, in various embodiments of the present invention, a single sensor can be used to recognize both the insertion of the aerosol product 2 and the user puff. This makes it possible to realize a more efficient and simpler aerosol generating device 1.

[0172] The embodiments of this disclosure described above are mutually exclusive or indistinguishable from each other. The embodiments of the invention described above may be used in combination or in combination with each other, depending on their respective configurations or functions.

[0173] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible unless it is stated that such combination is impossible.

[0174] The detailed description set forth herein should not be interpreted restrictively in any way, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention shall be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A housing including an insertion space that is open so as to allow at least a portion of the aerosol product to be inserted, Sensor section, An airflow channel through which air flows into the interior of the housing, An aerosol generator comprising at least one processor that recognizes the insertion of the aerosol product via the sensor unit, confirms a change in color due to the inflow of air in at least a portion of the area of ​​the aerosol generator into which the aerosol product is inserted via the sensor unit, and recognizes a user puff based on the confirmed change in color.

2. The sensor unit includes at least one sensor capable of sensing color, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is positioned inside the housing so as to face at least a portion of the aerosol product.

3. The aforementioned at least one processor is In accordance with events related to the preheating of the aerosol generator, the change in the first color of at least a portion of the region is detected. In accordance with events related to user puffs, a change in the second color of at least a portion of the area is detected, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, which recognizes a state related to aerosol generation based on at least one of the first color change and the second color change.

4. The aforementioned at least one processor is Further sensing the change in a third color associated with the end of use of the aerosol generating device, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, which recognizes a state related to aerosol generation based on at least one of the changes in the first color, the second color, and the third color.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus further includes an output unit, The aforementioned at least one processor is The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a state related to aerosol generation, recognized based on at least one of the changes in the first color, the second color, and the third color, is output via the output unit.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the region is a specific region of the aerosol product.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the said region includes at least a discoloration member that changes color in response to temperature changes.

8. The aforementioned discoloration member is Transparent window; and The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, comprising a discoloration substance bonded to or applied to the transparent window.

9. The aforementioned discoloration member is The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, configured in a region adjacent to the airflow channel.

10. The aforementioned discoloration member is The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, configured in a region adjacent to the inlet of the airflow channel.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus is, A heating element that is heated to a predetermined temperature or higher by the operation of the aerosol generating device; and The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a temperature transfer member having a predetermined or greater thermal conductivity, connected to the heating element and the discoloration member, and for conducting heat from the heating element to the discoloration member.

12. A method for controlling an aerosol generator comprising a housing including an insertion space open to allow at least a portion of an aerosol product to be inserted, a sensor unit, an airflow channel into which air flows into the housing, and at least one processor, A step of recognizing the insertion of the aerosol product via the sensor unit, A step of confirming, via the sensor unit, a change in color due to the inflow of air in at least a portion of the area of ​​the aerosol generating device into which the aerosol product is inserted, and A method comprising the step of recognizing the user's puff based on the aforementioned confirmed color change.

13. The step of sensing a change in the first color of at least a portion of the region in accordance with an event related to the preheating of the aerosol generator using at least one processor, A step of sensing a change in the second color of at least a portion of the area in accordance with an event related to user puff, and The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of recognizing a state related to aerosol generation based on at least one of the first color change and the second color change.

14. The method further includes sensing a change in a third color associated with the termination of use of the aerosol generating device, The method according to claim 13, wherein the step of recognizing the state related to aerosol generation is further recognized based on the change in the third color.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus further includes an output unit, The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of outputting a state related to aerosol generation recognized based on at least one of the first color change, the second color change, and the third color change via the output unit.

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